Bulog begins distributing food assistance in Greater Banyumas

Purwokerto, Central Java — Perum Bulog’s Banyumas Branch Office has commenced distributing food assistance to communities across the Greater Banyumas region, comprising Banyumas, Cilacap, Purbalingga, and Banjarnegara districts, as part of a government programme to sustain food security.

Prawoko Setyo Aji, head of Perum Bulog’s Banyumas Branch Office, stated in Purwokerto on Saturday that the initial distribution of food assistance allocated for February and March 2026 began on Friday (13 March 2026) across several districts including Banyumas, Cilacap, and Purbalingga.

According to him, the initial distribution took place in several sub-districts: Sampang Sub-district in Cilacap District, Somagede Sub-district in Banyumas District, and Karangjambu Sub-district in Purbalingga District. The schedule for Banjarnegara District distributions remains pending.

Based on Bulog Banyumas data, the initial distribution reached 19,248 food assistance recipients with a total allocation of 384,960 kilogrammes of rice and 76,992 litres of cooking oil.

In Sampang Sub-district, Cilacap District, assistance targeted 6,400 recipients with allocations of 128,000 kilogrammes of rice and 25,600 litres of cooking oil. In Somagede Sub-district, Banyumas District, assistance was provided to 7,059 recipients with allocations of 141,180 kilogrammes of rice and 28,236 litres of cooking oil. In Karangjambu Sub-district, Purbalingga District, assistance was distributed to 5,789 recipients with allocations of 115,780 kilogrammes of rice and 23,156 litres of cooking oil.

Prawoko stated that the food assistance is distributed to registered beneficiary families in the government programme to help meet basic needs. As the food assistance distribution operator, Bulog ensures rice stock remains secure and distribution proceeds in stages according to established schedules.

However, he acknowledged that Bulog awaits cooking oil supplies from factories to continue distributions in other areas. “Rice is actually ready. We are still waiting for cooking oil supplies from the factory. Once available, distribution will resume,” he said.

Based on data, the number of food assistance recipients in the Greater Banyumas region in 2026 reached 918,544 recipients, an increase of 331,593 compared to 2025 which recorded 586,951 recipients. This comprises 290,272 recipients in Cilacap District, 286,920 in Banyumas District, 182,013 in Purbalingga District, and 159,339 in Banjarnegara District.

Bulog will continue coordinating with local government and relevant agencies to ensure food assistance distribution proceeds smoothly and reaches intended targets. “We hope this food assistance will help communities meet their basic needs and maintain stable rice supply and prices,” Prawoko concluded.